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How Winter Weather Affects Your Skin

The cold, dry winter months effect all skin types, but what if you are already suffering from a condition? It is important to be proactive to understand how the winter weather affects your skin condition. Here are some common skin conditions, how the weather affects it and how to better manage the symptoms.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic condition that causes the face to become inflamed and remain red for an extended period of time. This can be a frustrating condition; however, it causes no internal health issues. In the winter months, your skin can be especially delicate as it fights against the harsh temperatures and conditions. Try to keep your skin covered from the elements. Wearing a scarf is a great idea, as you can pull it up to cover your nose and cheeks as you trek to your destination. It’s important to stick to your treatment plan. However, if you are experiencing more intense flushing, start applying a heavy moisturizer and talk to your dermatologist about adding something seasonal to your treatment regimen.

Psoriasis

Phototherapy and spending time in the sunlight are common psoriasis treatments. The condition causes a buildup of skin cells that leave scaly, raised patches. In addition to the patches, psoriasis can also cause small, red bumps that cover different areas of the body. Decreased exposure to sunlight can play a huge role in the increased intensity of the condition during winter months. Try talking to your doctor about phototherapy, a new psoriasis treatment, to supplement for the time lost in the natural sunlight. Another reason for the condition worsening is the dry weather. A lack of humidity in the air can cause dry skin. A way to add moisture back into the air is to use a humidifier in your home, allowing your skin to drink in a bit more hydration.

Eczema

The skin condition, eczema is commonly seen as red, irritated and bumpy skin. It is often itchy and uncomfortable. Although it is not treatable, eczema is easily managed. However, in the winter, flare-ups occur more often causing heightened symptoms due to rapid temperature changes, especially when coming indoors from a cold day. To help avoid a reaction that may cause your skin to inflame, it is important to regulate your temperature as best possible. Try keeping your heater at a low setting. While it may seem nice to walk into an incredibly warm house after being in the cold, keeping your heater at a lower setting helps your skin acclimate to the temperature more easily.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Similar to dandruff, but with more serious implications, seborrheic dermatitis causes a red, burning scalp with flakes. However, unlike dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis can appear on your body anywhere hair is present. The dryness of the winter can cause your condition to worsen, but be sure to still follow your treatment plan. Don’t use hot water when showering, but instead use lukewarm water so your scalp does not become inflamed. Try adding a humidifier in your home so your scalp stays moisturized without adding extra products to your hair or increasing oil production.

You can’t change the weather, but you can change up your daily routine by adding some simple items to your home treatment regimen. If your skin condition is beginning to worsen, it may be caused by the weather. Talk to your dermatologist about changes in your condition and ask about different treatment options. If you suffer from one of the conditions listed above, the dermatologists at Knoxville Dermatology Group are ready to help. Visit our website or give us a call to schedule an appointment at 865-690-9467.

4 Common Skin Conditions Among Newborns

A new addition to the family is always a cause for joy and celebration. We know that some parents may worry more than others, especially if it’s their first. Now that the baby is here, there may be some unforeseen, but common, skin issues appearing. Some have no need for concern, but others do require your attention. Sometimes simple treatments do the trick, and others require a trip to the dermatologist. If one of the following skin issues does appear, here is how to care for your bundle of joy.

Diaper Rash

Diaper rash is very common for newborns and infants. The rash is caused by any number of things including excessive contact with fabrics, adhesives, urine, stool or with moisture even. You may notice your baby seems more uncomfortable or fussy than usual. If your baby has the red, scaly patches of diaper rash, it can be easily managed.

To prevent this rash, make sure you are frequently changing their diaper after they’ve soiled it. Clean areas covered by the diaper during each change. It’s wise to add a barrier cream or moisturizer so your baby’s skin doesn’t become dry with the wiping. If the rash persists, there are many effective, over-the-counter creams to heal and soothe the rash.

Cradle Cap

Seborrheic dermatitis, or cradle cap, appears as small, oily flakes on a newborn’s scalp. This is often caused by excessive oil production around the hair follicles. It is no cause for concern as it can naturally resolve itself.

However, there are simple treatments to help care for the affected areas and resolve cradle cap more quickly. By using a gentle, infant shampoo, the flakes can be loosened and fall off. A primary care physician can prescribe a medicated shampoo if symptoms persist. It is important to make note of the appearance of cradle cap, as it may be an indication of atopic eczema.

Atopic Eczema

If you are noticing rough, dry skin with a red color on your newborn’s cheeks, elbows or knees, it’s possible they have atopic eczema. There is no known cause for eczema, although it may stem from genetics. Eczema can be triggered by a number of things like soaps, detergents, high temperatures or dust mites. The condition may only remain through infancy or can occur throughout the newborn’s lifetime.

Eczema is extremely common and treatable, although it is not curable. For your baby, use a gentle, sensitive-skin bath soap and be sure to bathe them in cool or lukewarm water. Gently pat them dry and apply a gentle moisturizer to soothe the skin. Finally, if the symptoms persist, visit a dermatologist. They can prescribe a safe steroid to apply during a flare-up and help monitor the condition for the future.

Hemangioma

This is a type of birthmark that usually appears as a bright red, rubbery raised nodule, commonly on the face, neck or chest. Hemangiomas are actually a collection of blood vessels that have reached the skin’s surface. While a hemangioma may be present at birth, they often appear in the weeks following and grow in size.

Hemangiomas should not be a cause for concern and will reduce in size, eventually disappearing over time. However, if the birthmark is near the eyes or ears, it is important for a primary care physician or dermatologist to examine it and determine if it may impact your child’s vision or hearing. In this case, dermatologists can use laser treatments to shrink the hemangioma and protect your baby’s hearing or vision.

It is important to be proactive in treating conditions that may appear with your newborn. If you feel unsure about symptoms of your child, bring them to be examined by your dermatologist or primary care physician. If your newborn suffers from atopic eczema or has a hemangioma, the experienced dermatologists at Knoxville Dermatology Group are ready to help. Visit our website or give us a call to schedule an appointment at 865-690-9467.

Cooking this holiday season? Be sure you know how to treat minor cooking accidents.

Cooking this holiday season? Of course you are! The holidays are about two things, food and family. However, some of the most common kitchen injuries can leave you spending more time in the emergency room than around the table. Here is a list of the most common minor cooking accidents, how to treat them and when you should see a doctor or a dermatologist.

Burns

The holiday seasons are ripe with major and minor burns. The danger zones? Frying the turkey, boiling the macaroni and pulling the sweet potato casserole out of the oven, among many others. Whether the burn came from bumping over or touching a burning pan, it is important to treat the burn promptly and correctly. First, you need to determine the degree of the burn. Depending on how bad the burn is, you may have to seek medical treatment immediately:

  • First Degree Burn: Mild burn; results in pain and redness.
  • Second Degree Burn: More severe burn; damages the lower layer of the skin. A second degree burn may result in redness, swelling, blistering and pain.
  • Third Degree Burn: Most serious burn, affects all layers of skin and possibly deeper. May result in serious pain, blackened or charred skin.

The most common cooking accidents are mostly contained to first degree burns. First degree burns are also the only burn you should treat without the help of a medical professional. Although your initial instinct may be to run the burn under cold water, this traps the heat in your skin and makes the burn heal much slower. What you should do is apply a burn cream or anti-inflammatory, like aloe vera or antibiotic ointment. You can take any acetaminophen such as Tylenol to help with pain management. Be sure to regularly change out bandages and reapply creams to keep the burn sanitized.

For second and third degree burns, be sure to visit your doctor or dermatologist to receive correct burn treatment.

Cuts

As careful as you are during cooking, it’s easy to get a cut or accidentally slice your finger. Accidents happen, but it’s best to be prepared for when they do. Remember, only treat cuts yourself if they are minor flesh wounds. If you are unable to control the bleeding, visit the emergency room immediately.

If, however, you have a minor flesh wound there are three simple steps to keep in mind as you treat the cut.

  1. Clean the cut. You can clean out your cut by flushing it with a bit of rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, followed by antibacterial soap and water.
  2. Apply an antibacterial ointment like Neosporin. This will help the cut heal more quickly.
  3. Bandage cut tightly. This will allow you to keep cooking and to protect the wound from infection.

If you cut yourself too deeply and needed to take a trip to the emergency room for stitches or other wound treatment, you may develop a scar. Scar treatment looks different for everybody and is dependent on the severity of the wound. If you have scarring from a cut, a dermatologist can help you develop a treatment plan to lessen its appearance.

Eye Irritation

Eye irritation can occur during cooking, especially while preparing spicy foods or handling peppers. It is best to keep your hands away from the face during cooking and keeping them clean to avoid mishaps like eye irritation. If a bit of spice or pepper does reach your eye, causing a burning sensation, don’t panic. Most importantly, do not rub your eye. This will most likely cause more of the irritant to reach your eye, which will cause more pain. Secondly, go directly to the sink. Open your eye and begin to flush water into it. Do this until the irritant has been washed from your eye. You may experience redness after an episode like this. Using eye drops for eye irritation is okay, but the redness will recede naturally as well.

Accidents happen, so be prepared! If a more serious accident occurs, always seek medical help for correct treatment. If you have a cut or burn that leaves scarring, there are many ways to treat this. The experienced dermatologists at Knoxville Dermatology Group are ready to help you develop a treatment plan to reduce the appearance of scars and pigment irregularities. If you have a scar from a burn or cut and need help leaving it in the past, make an appointment, visit our website or call us at (865) 690-9467.

Chapped or Dry Skin? How to Protect Your Skin from Dropping Temperatures.

It’s official. The cold winter months are upon us. While the winter season means the holidays, time off and hot chocolate, it also brings some unwanted issues. Due to chilling winds and a lack of moisture in the air, skin often becomes dry or chapped. Learn how you can protect your skin from the cold and keep it happy and healthy.

Stay Moisturized

The key to keeping skin soft and smooth is simple—just stay moisturized! If your skin is chapped and dehydrated, it is probably because of the lack of moisture in the cold, winter air and the dry heat from indoor heating systems. This causes your skin to dry out and become itchy, ashy and cracked. Be sure to keep moisture-locking lotions with you at all times, including lip salve. You may want to invest in a thick overnight cream if you are really struggling with parchedness. Pay close attention to moisturizing your face, hands and knees, as these usually get the most exposure to the cold, dry air. However, staying moisturized doesn’t just mean slathering on lotion. Hydrated skin starts from the inside out! Be sure to drink plenty of water and eat water-rich foods, like greens and berries.

Add a Humidifier

As mentioned above, one of the main reasons for dry, winter skin is the dry, winter air! You may consider installing a humidifier to your home. This adds moisture back into the air, so your skin stays moisturized. Not only is it good for your skin, but it helps with issues like your dehydrated, scratchy throat as you sleep. Buying a humidifier doesn’t have to be a huge investment. While you can purchase one to be installed throughout your house, you can also buy a small plug-in humidifier for the office desk or bedside table.

Change Things Up

You may see your skin begin to change in the winter. Often, those who experience combination or oily skin, notice a change in skin texture, which is usually as a result of the chilly weather. Take note of changes in your skin and buy products accordingly. Try using more of a cream cleanser as opposed to a harsher, gel-like cleanser. This adds just a touch more hydration and is gentle on the skin.

Say “No” to Scalding

Some days, all you want to do is escape the cold and hop in a piping-hot shower! While this may seem ideal, try turning the water temperature down a few degrees. The hot water from the shower can scald your skin, making it even drier. By turning the water temperature down a few degrees, you can save your skin the pain and get plenty of the warmth. While you’re in the shower, there are great moisturizing body washes that can hydrate your skin and make you smell wonderful. If you want a more natural moisturizer, slather on a bit of coconut oil during your shower to make your skin soft and luscious.

Get Outside

It may seem like quite the hurdle to get outside, especially in the winter! However, if there’s a sunny day and the temperature rise a bit, then get outside! Your skin thrives off sun’s rays, giving you essential vitamin D. The sun is its warmest from noon to 2 p.m. so try taking a brisk walk during your lunch break tomorrow!

Seek Help

For some, the dryness of winter brings more than just dehydrates skin, it inflames existing conditions. Those who suffer from psoriasis, for example, often experience worsening symptoms during the winter. Due to cold temperatures keeping you indoors for most of the day, your skin is missing out on sunlight that often has a positive effect on psoriasis. If you struggle with psoriasis, don’t compensate with fake tanning from a sunbed. Visit your dermatologist for treatment options, like phototherapy. This is a safe alternative, administered by your dermatologist, that can help improve symptoms of psoriasis.

If you struggle from dry skin or have an existing condition which is made worse in the winter months, it’s time to see how a dermatologist can help. The staff at Knoxville Dermatology Group is well qualified and ready to make a difference in your skin health! To make an appointment, visit our website or call us at (865) 690-9467.

Identifying the Cause of Your Hair Loss

Hair loss is very common and should not be a cause for concern, as there are many viable options for renewed hair growth. However, it is important that you try and discover the cause of your hair loss. This can be done through research or talking with your dermatologist. Keep reading to discover potential causes of your hair loss.

Stress

Stress can lead to a number of health issues including thinning of the hair. Don’t let this scare you! The most important thing to do if you are experiencing this, is to take care of yourself. Try taking supplements like biotin to strengthen hair and nails. Be sure to get plenty of sleep and be gentle with your hair.

Age

The truth is, as you age, your hair ages with you. Each day, you naturally lose hair and your body replaces it with new hair growth. However, during the aging process, this new growth occurs less and less. This quite common and depends heavily on your genetic and family history. Women experiencing menopause may also see changes in hair growth, quite severely. Hair thinning or loss normally occurs during these hormonal changes. As these changes start to balance out, your hair may return back to its original state.

Family History

Genetics play an incredibly strong role in determining female and male pattern hair loss. Pattern hair loss usually affects the hairline and top of the scalp in males, and general thinning of hair in females. If you have a family history of hair loss, you are much more prone to experiencing hair loss of a similar type. Prevention for losing hair is possible, so if you believe you are more prone to pattern hair loss, or hair loss of any kind, talk to your dermatologist as soon as possible.

Hairstyle

Do often wear your hair in a ponytail, bun, braids or cornrows? This may be cause for concern, as tight hairstyles like the ones mentioned can cause traction alopecia. This is where the hair becomes loosened and begins to fall out or break due to repeated stress. If you or your child often wears hairstyles that tightly pull at the hair, consider a looser style or even decide on rocking your natural hair!

Medical Condition or Side Effect

  • Medication: Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about the side effects of medications you have be prescribed. If you are seeing overactive hair loss due to medication, there may be a different medication you can try. If not, speak to your dermatologist about ways to prevent further hair loss.
  • Alopecia Areata: Alopecia areata is a condition in which the body starts to attack its own hair follicles, causing patchy hair loss. There are no cures, but treatment options are available. Your dermatologist may be able to prescribe different options such as topical medications, steroid injections and more.
  • Psoriasis: Psoriasis on the scalp can cause red, scaly patches and the inability to grow hair in affected areas. By treating the psoriasis itself, the skin can heal and begin growing new hair once more. By talking to your dermatologist, they can create a psoriasis treatment plan that may include options like phototherapy, biologics or topical treatments.
  • Chemotherapy: During chemotherapy treatments, which are used to treat diseases like lupus and cancer, your hair follicles are inadvertently targeted. Do not be alarmed by this. It is a completely normal side effect of chemotherapy. Once treatments have finished, your hair should begin to grow back. Again, talk to your doctor or oncologist about these side effects and to learn more about chemotherapy and hair loss.

There are many reasons you may be experiencing a loss of hair or lessened new hair growth. If this is the case for you, talk to your doctor or dermatologist and learn about ways that they can help. Always remember, however, hair loss is very common and nothing to be ashamed of. At Knoxville Dermatology Group, the experienced staff can help you determine the cause of your hair loss and help you with treatment. To make an appointment, visit our website or call us at (865) 690-9467.

Don’t blush! Learn other causes of facial redness.

Does your face often get flushed, or do you constantly look like you are blushing from embarrassment? There are numerous reasons for facial redness, aside from just embarrassment! Facial redness can be caused by a multitude of issues, so don’t write it off as just redness or blushing. Read on to learn what may be causing your facial redness and when it may become time to see a dermatologist.

Psoriasis

This condition causes a buildup of skin cells, leaving raised scaly patches. In addition, psoriasis causes small, red bumps or lesions across the skin, including the face, arms, legs and buttocks. This can be a difficult condition to conceal, as it often extends across wide stretches on the visible parts of the body. People manage their psoriasis differently, by covering with makeup or using products specifically made for sensitive skin. While these are great management tactics, it is important to seek treatment for the condition, as it can lead to worsened symptoms. Luckily, psoriasis is a very treatable condition, especially with the help of a dermatologist.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic condition that causes the face to get red and remain flushed for an extended period. The bright, red color is usually isolated to the chin, cheeks, nose or forehead. Management this condition may include wearing heavy makeup or staying out of the sun. Luckily, there are no internal damaging health issues that accompany rosacea. Also, there aren’t any known reasons why and how one is affected by rosacea; however, it can be easily diagnosed and treated. If you think that your chronic redness may be caused by rosacea, it’s time to visit your dermatologist.

Dehydration

Water is the most important thing your body needs. Staying hydrated is essential to having overall healthy body function, but it also helps regulate your body’s internal temperature. Dehydration can often cause redness in the face, due to your body beginning to overheat. Facial redness is a great indicator of hydration. If you are feeling overheated, find shade and drink cool water. It is very imperative to stay proactive in keeping your body hydrated. Ways to help you stay hydrated is by carrying a reusable water bottle with you or by incorporating more water-rich foods into your diet like apples or cucumbers.

Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease which can affect people in different ways. Most commonly, lupus causes the body’s immune system to attack multiple organs. There is no cure for autoimmune disorders. Treatment and management of symptoms is the most common course of action. One symptom of lupus is what is known as the “butterfly rash.” This rash causes redness and swelling across the nose and cheeks in the shape of a butterfly. If you suffer from lupus, visit your dermatologist to come up with a treatment plan to manage your butterfly rash or other symptoms.

Eczema

Eczema can look different for everyone, but it is mainly seen as red and irritated skin, possibly bumpy and filled with fluid. There’s no real cause of eczema; however, it is extremely common and relatively simple to treat. In most cases, simply changing your skin care routine or taking steps towards better hygiene can help. Dermatologists can also greatly help in managing eczema, from diagnosis to treatment. If you suffer from severe eczema, a dermatologist may be able to provide prescription lotions that reduce swelling and redness.

Although these conditions may not be exactly what’s going on with your facial redness, it may help you narrow it down and understand what it could be. If you are suffering from facial redness, the experienced dermatologists at Knox Derm are ready to help. Call Knoxville Dermatology Group today at (865) 690-9467 to make an appointment to talk to one of our health care professionals.

How to Combat that Pesky Dandruff

You’ve seen it before. It’s the white, flaky dead skin on your scalp and shoulders that we wish we didn’t see! Dandruff is actually incredibly common in both men and women and is caused from a number of different things. No need to stress though, dandruff is no biggie and not threatening to your health – just annoying! Below, learn the symptoms, causes and some helpful tricks and tips on combatting dandruff!

Is This Dandruff?

Symptoms of dandruff are fairly straight forward and easy to spot: white, oily flakes of dead skin on the scalp and shoulders. It is usually accompanied by an itchy scalp. As you itch, flakes of skin loosen from the scalp and make its way from your head to your shoulders.

Dandruff vs. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an extremely common skin condition, affecting two to three percent of the population. Usually found on the elbows, scalp, knees or anywhere that regularly experiences friction, psoriasis causes raised, red lesions. Dandruff, on the other hand, is caused by mostly external factors and only found on the scalp. It is only typified by a flaky scalp. Psoriasis is a treatable and manageable condition but can cause mild pain so you should see your dermatologist as soon as possible.

Why Do I Have Dandruff?

Dandruff is caused by multiple things, from your body’s oil production to how often you wash your hair. Often, oiliness of hair, not shampooing enough or sensitivity to hair products, will lead to the production of dandruff. Changing seasons can also heavily affect the flaking of the skin. As the weather cools, your scalp begins to dry out, leaving it susceptible to flaking.

Please, help! How Can I Get Rid of Dandruff?

  • Change Your Shower Routine

    • If you don’t shampoo your hair often enough, there is a higher chance that you will develop dandruff. Try washing your hair once or twice a week more often to help your scalp clear up and regulate oil production.

  • Try a Dandruff Shampoo

    • There are many over the counter shampoos that help combat dandruff. Shampoos with pyrithione zinc, tar-based shampoos or selenium sulfide shampoos are all great options. However, because these shampoos have stronger ingredients to clear your scalp, they may also discolor lighter or dyed hair, so be sure to rinse well!

  • Apply Tea Tree Oil

    • Tea tree oil is a highly recommended, natural remedy for dandruff. It is known to clear the scalp and moisturize the skin. You can find shampoos that incorporate tea tree oil and use it as your everyday shampoo. Another option, however, is to visit your local health shop and pick up tea tree oil to apply directly to affected areas.

  • Get Some Sunlight

    • Spending a bit more time outside has been known to decrease dandruff in many people. Sunlight helps dry some of the excess oil on the scalp. This does not mean sunbathing, as that can lead to dry skin (worsening dandruff), but just spending more time than usual in broad daylight.

  • See Your Dermatologist

    • If you experience extreme dryness or bleeding, visit your dermatologist. Sometimes, individuals can incorrectly self-diagnose the scalp’s itchy patches as dandruff, but it may in fact be psoriasis. A dermatologist can help you diagnose what the flakes really are and get you the help you need.

If you or a loved one has tried the remedies above and your dandruff persists, it’s time to see a dermatologist. The staff at Knoxville Dermatology Group is professional and approachable, great for patients of any age. To make an appointment or learn more about how Knoxville Dermatology Group can help, visit their website or give them a call at (865) 690-9467.

How to Age Beautifully: Your Guide to Preventing Wrinkles

Fine lines and wrinkles are just a part of aging. By taking care of your skin now, you can age beautifully when the time comes. No matter your age, there are many simple steps to take, which can help slow the physical signs of aging and protect your skin from damage.

Will I Get Wrinkles?

The short answer? Yes. The long answer? As you grow older, your skin becomes drier, thinner and less elastic, leading to fine lines and wrinkles. A person’s aging patterns differ greatly due to ethnicity, genetics, sun exposure, occupation and smoking habits. Sometimes wrinkles form from a certain way you smile or furrow your brow.

So What Can I Do?

Wear Sunscreen

You would never hit the beach or the pool without your sunscreen, right? Well, what about when you hit the office or a day of errands? Sunscreen is important, every single day. The sun offers incredible health benefits like Vitamin D, so don’t avoid the sunshine. However, you should avoid its harmful UV rays. Sunscreen with broad spectrum SPF of around 30, will protect your skin from UV rays which cause accelerated signs of aging and even skin cancer.

Moisturize

As you age, your skin loses elasticity causing the skin to crease and wrinkle. One way to combat this is to moisturize regularly. By moisturizing, water is trapped in the skin, plumping skin and making it appear smoother and feel softer. Moisturizing will also help protect your skin against damage that comes from dryness. Be sure to use a moisturizer that is gentle on the skin. If you have sensitive skin, talk to your dermatologist about a moisturizer that is right for you.

Don’t Tan

Let me repeat. Do not tan. Whatever you do, do not step a foot into a tanning bed. The risk of getting skin cancer from tanning beds is exponentially higher than the risk of tanning in the sun. With that being said, stay away from exposing yourself to too much natural light. Tanning beds and the sun both expose your body to incredibly harmful UV rays. These rays dry out your skin, increase signs of aging, cause uneven skin tone, dark spots and increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Don’t risk your skin’s health for a tan. There are many great artificial tanners sold now, so you can get a streak free, natural looking tan from a bottle, without exposing your skin to UV rays.

Be Patient

Just as you don’t age immediately overnight, results don’t appear overnight either. It’s important to stick to a regimen and trust that you’re doing the best thing to protect your skin. This may take six weeks, or it may take a few months. When wrinkles do come, and they will, remember that it is still a natural part of maturing. However, by implementing the steps above, they may progress slower and not as deep! Don’t be afraid to talk to your dermatologist about the best options to protect your skin.

See a Dermatologist

While home remedies and careful skin care are wonderful, your dermatologist can tell you the absolute best ways to care for your skin and prevent wrinkles. If you already have wrinkles, don’t despair. Your dermatologist can provide the best care and treatment plan so you achieve the skin of your dreams, in a safe and effective way.

If you’re ready to take your skin’s health into your own hands, let the dermatologists at Knoxville Dermatology Group help. The professional and experienced staff is ready to get you on the right path to wrinkle-free skin today! To make an appointment, visit our website or call us at (865) 690-9467.

The One-Two Punch of Shingles

When you were a kid, you may have had the chickenpox, or at least knew a friend that had them. There are vaccinations these days that make the sickness less prevalent, but that doesn’t mean your chickenpox, or varicella, will never return. If you contracted this rash at some point in your childhood, there is a chance the virus will appear again one day as shingles.

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease that is caused by the varicella zoster virus. This is the same virus that causes shingles too. When you first contract the virus as a child, the chickenpox will form as itchy blisters appearing first on the back, chest and face. The blisters will then spread to the rest of the body and leave the child with flu-like symptoms. It can cause anywhere from 250 to 500 blisters across the body that may scar if not healed right. If you had it as a kid, you probably took a week or two off school until the blisters scabbed over and the sickness went away.

Varicella Zoster

Or did it really go away? No. Once infected with the varicella zoster virus, it will never truly go away. After the chickenpox heals, the virus will travel along the nerve fibers and remain dormant in the spinal cord and brain. Decades later, the virus may appear again, this time as shingles, to deliver its second punch.

Shingles

When you first get shingles, or herpes zoster, you may be skeptical about what it is and where it came from. A row of raised, red dots will pop-up only on one side of the torso or face. You may think it’s only hives or a reaction, but a trip to a dermatologist and an examination will tell you it’s shingles. Once you are infected by shingles, it can’t be cured. There are treatments available to lessen the symptoms, but you’ll just have to let the illness run its course.

Once the itchy, red bumps start to appear on one side of your torso or face, the skin in the affected area will start to appear red. There may be a tingling under the skin, but it also can feel like a stabbing pain. You may experience fever, chills or an upset stomach. The rash will then turn into painful, red, fluid-filled blisters that will eventually dry out and crust over.

Will I Get Shingles?

If you have ever had the chickenpox, there is a possibility that it will one day return as shingles. It could be years later, but there is no telling when it will arise. There are some conditions that make it easier for the virus to return. A weakened immune system from medicines or other diseases allows for your body’s defenses to be down, and for the varicella zoster virus to reappear as shingles . Old age and stress are also contributing factors.

If you think you have shingles, visit a doctor or dermatologist immediately. The infection is highly contagious and can spread easily to people without the vaccination. Avoid pregnant women and babies until the sores on the skin have crusted over and started to heal.

Are you looking for a trusted dermatologist to accurately and correctly treat your shingles? Visit Knoxville Dermatology Group online to learn more about our trusted doctors. Visit us online here, or give us a call at (865) 690-9467.

The 411 on Hives

 

Hives, also known as urticaria, is an allergic reaction to allergens, which causes the skin to break out in pale red, swollen, itchy bumps or plaques. An allergic reaction is a negative immune response caused by a substance, or allergen, that the body has become hypersensitive to. Allergies can come in all shapes and sizes, and so can their reactions.

Seasonal allergies, however, is the reaction you may experiences during changing seasons, specifically fall and spring. This is when pollen levels are higher and causes your body stress while you react and cope with the changing levels. These aren’t necessarily allergies but cause the same reaction. Allergies are specific substances, or allergens, that your body has an adverse reaction to at any time. If you suffer from allergies, it is important to understand what hives are, their symptoms and how to treat them.

What are Hives?

Hives is an allergic reaction to allergens. Temperature extremes, stress, infection and illness can also cause hives, but is less likely. They can cause itching, stinging or even burning. They appear on the skin, or anywhere on the body, including the face, hands and tongue. Hives normally appear in three different shapes: tiny bumps, blotches or large connected raised sites, also known as plaques. Diagnosing hives can be difficult; so, make sure to take special note of your symptoms and even consider taking photos of the irritated site. There is no test to diagnose hives so a thorough skin test or blood test may need to be performed.

Know the types

  • Individual Hives: These hives last from around a few hours to up to a week. Individual hives are more common than any other type and the least severe. This can appear from any stressor mentioned above, like an allergen to extreme temperatures.
  • Acute Hives: Acute hives last from about a week to six weeks. Commonly, acute hives are a reaction to foods, medications or insects that you may be allergic to. If you experience acute hives, it’s important to see a dermatologist or allergist to get tested and see what you may be allergic to.
  • Chronic Hives: This includes hives lasting more than six weeks. It is extremely hard to diagnose but many believe it stems from more serious illnesses like cancer or hepatitis. If you are struggling from a disease or illness and experience hives lasting more than six weeks, talk to your doctor about specific ways to safely treat them.

Goodbye Hives

  • Antihistamines: These can be store bought in a cream or prescribed by a doctor or dermatologist as a pill. Store bought antihistamine cream works to soothe affected skin and relieve the itch. If prescribed by a doctor or dermatologist, antihistamines may be taken regularly to stop hives from appearing in the first place.
  • Cool Compress: Soak a towel in cold water or wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply it firmly to the inflamed area. This will calm the inflammation of the skin, lowering the raised areas of the skin and calming the itchier ones.
  • Visit a Dermatologist: If you experience hives, especially acute or chronic, visit your dermatologist. There, they can ask you questions on symptoms and family history, as well as performing an allergy test. This can help you understand why you get hives and ways to avoid the allergens that trigger the reaction.

Treating and diagnosing hives can be difficult. While there are a number of home remedies to treat hives, it is still important to take careful note of your reaction and seek medical attention if your condition worsens or becomes a regular occurrence. At Knoxville Dermatology Group, the professional staff can help treat your hives, so you can live life more comfortably. To make an appointment, visit our website or call us at (865) 690-9467.